ICTSI Philippine Open: Pinoy pros out for redemption

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - Top Filipino pros have personal missions to redeem themselves and reclaim the ICTSI Philippine Open crown last won by Angelo Que in 2008 as the $300,000 event fires off today at Wack Wack’s fabled East Course in Mandaluyong City.

Among the local aces fancied to figure prominently in this sixth leg of the Asian Tour are Tony Lascuña, who placed third here in 2012 and the hottest player on the local circuit, 2007 champion and former Asian Tour No. 1 Frankie Minoza, veteran campaigners Elmer Salvador and 2011 runner-up Jay Bayron and Que.

Also high on the list of contenders in the 72-hole championship sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and presented by the MVP Sports Foundation and PLDT is Miguel Tabuena.

The 19-year-old Tabuena was hitting balls at varied distances at high noon yesterday, trying to find his rhythm heading to today’s opening round.

“I’m working on my tempo. I hope it pays off,” he told The STAR during a quick break.

Tabuena works hard on and off the course. He had to skip lunch as well as the press conference so he could spend more time at Wack Wack’s driving range.

In 2012, everything almost paid off for Tabuena when he entered the final round of the Philippine Open, also at Wack Wack, just a stroke behind the seasoned Mardan Mamat of Singapore.

But he came out flat and finished tied for 11th. At the Solaire Open last March, he had another clear shot at the title but again lost his grip on the final day.

“I really want to redeem myself,” he said.

And it won’t be easy because there’s a big group of players with even chances to win it all, including Mamat, here to retain the crown he won in 2012.

“I’m hoping to put all the things in place,” said Mamat, who hopes to break par in each round at the dreaded East course.

“I’m always pleased with myself if I play under par every round,” said Mamat, who was joined at the head table by American Berry Henson, Indian Anirban Lahiri and Que.

“The course is in good shape but you have to be patient. And you need to respect some holes,” added the veteran of the Asian Tour.

Henson, winner of the 2011 ICTSI Philippine Open, described the course as “the Augusta of the Philippines” and said patience will be important.